Thanksgiving Traditions: Writing Prompts Help Kids Capture Family Stories, Then and Now

Do your kids love to write? Want to give them fun, creative exercises to get them away from technology ... at least for a little while? Purple Pencil Adventures*, written by Debra Eckerling, is filled with writing prompts that encourage kids of all ages to tap into their creativity, while practicing and improving their writing.

In this monthly series, Debra will share a writing exercise that is a fun activity for the whole family!

Grab a notebook* and your purple pencil*, and start writing! 

Here's this month's prompt

Does your family have a Thanksgiving tradition? What is it? Do you watch the parade, cook together, or play a family football game? How will your family celebrations be altered this year?

Write about your family tradition, being as detailed as possible. Include what it is, who participates, and the origin of the tradition.

If your family does not yet have a special way to celebrate Thanksgiving, perhaps now is the time to start a tradition. 

Come up with an idea, write it out, and present it to your family. 

Extra Credit

Did you know that the day after Thanksgiving is the National Day of Listening?

Interview a grandparent or another older relative during a virtual call. Ask about Thanksgiving traditions he or she remembers doing as a child, and listen to what he or she has to say.

Write an essay comparing the holiday now with the holiday then. Share your writing with the person you interviewed. 

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Debra Eckerling is the author of Your Goal Guide: A Roadmap for Setting, Planning and Achieving Your Goals*, as well as the self-published Write On Blogging: 51 Tips to Plan, Write & Promote Your Blog* and Purple Pencil Adventures: Writing Prompts for Kids of All Ages.* A project catalyst and communications specialist, Debra is the founder of The D*E*B Method. DEB stands for Determine Your Mission, Explore Your Options, Brainstorm Your Path. She works with individuals and businesses to set goals and manage their projects through one-on one coaching, workshops, and online support.

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*As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. —Jen